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01-05-2020 | Care | Original Paper

The Unanticipated Benefits of PrEP for Young Black Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men

Authors: Katherine G. Quinn, Erika Christenson, Mark T. Sawkin, Elizabeth Hacker, Jennifer L. Walsh

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective at reducing new HIV infections among adherent users. However, there are potential benefits of PrEP beyond HIV prevention that remain understudied, particularly among young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2018, we conducted six focus groups (n = 36) in four midwestern cities: Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Detroit, MI; and Kansas City, MO with current and former PrEP users who identified as Black MSM. The focus groups covered medical care and provider experiences, patterns of PrEP use and adherence, relationships while on PrEP, and PrEP stigma. Results revealed four unanticipated benefits of PrEP for young Black MSM: (1) improved engagement in medical care, (2) reduced sexual and HIV anxiety, (3) increased sexual comfort and freedom, and (4) positive sexual relationships with people living with HIV. Findings from this study fill a gap in our understanding of the potential benefits of PrEP beyond HIV prevention. Public health campaigns and messaging around PrEP should incorporate such benefits to reach young Black MSM who may be motivated by benefits beyond HIV prevention.

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Title: The Unanticipated Benefits of PrEP for Young Black Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Katherine G. Quinn
Erika Christenson
Mark T. Sawkin
Elizabeth Hacker
Jennifer L. Walsh
Publication date: 01-05-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Care
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Anxiety
Published in: AIDS and Behavior / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-019-02747-7

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